Miss America Cassie Donegan Responds to Makeup Criticism After Winning 2026 Crown

Just days after being crowned Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan is addressing both the celebrations and the critiques that followed her win.

The 28-year-old, who represented New York in the competition, earned the national title on September 7 at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, triumphing over 52 other delegates from across the country.

Along with the crown, sash, and title, Donegan received a $50,000 tuition scholarship and an additional $3,000 for her award-winning vocal performance in the talent portion of the competition.

The night was filled with joy, and footage of Donegan’s friends cheering for her victory quickly went viral on TikTok. Yet amid the praise, some online commenters focused less on her accomplishments and more on her makeup choices during the final round.

Donegan says she wasn’t surprised by the backlash but remains determined not to let negativity define her experience.

“Often you do have to just pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest,” she says. “I think that's something that's been a really useful tool, really leaning into those who are lifting me up, loving me and holding me high, and choosing to focus on the positivity that's happening in the moment.”

Even as Miss America, Donegan acknowledges that she’s not immune to criticism. “I'm just a normal person. No, I don't want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance,” she admitted. “But I also respect that the internet is a public space and that people have the right to their opinion to be able to share that, and no one's going to be everyone's favorite all of the time.”

Cassie Donegan: New Miss America Expresses Gratitude

Her approach is one of compassion and resilience.

“I'm just going to do my best to love everyone and care about everyone, because at the end of the day, if even just one person has felt touched in some way or seen or loved through me as Miss America, then I've done my job. And that's the most important thing.”

"No one's going to be everyone's favorite all of the time.”

TikTok

Donegan’s philosophy is consistent with the message she delivered on stage during the pageant finals. In the Q&A round, she spoke about “authentic self-expressions” and how they intersect with professional standards.

“I believe that being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing that you can do, and if that includes your self-expression through piercings or tattoos, then 100 percent do it,” she told the judges and audience. “I think that no one has the right to tell you what you can do with your own body. This is your vessel, and you should be able to walk around proudly in it.

Miss America- Cassie Donegan

As the crowd erupted in applause, Donegan lightened the moment by sharing her own personal style.

“I, myself, walk around in what my siblings love to call ‘grandma chic,’ and I think that's great,” she said with a smile.For Donegan, the title of Miss America isn’t just about wearing a crown—it’s about embracing authenticity, celebrating individuality, and inspiring others to do the same, no matter what critics might say.